We do have dentures that are much more sophisticated than the relics of the past. We also have a variety of options for anyone looking for dentures.

Complete Dentures

The first type of denture is the one you typically think about when you think about false teeth. Complete dentures are entire sets of false teeth that can be fitted over the gums when a patient has lost all of his or her teeth. Dentures are typically made from an acrylic-type material that is both strong enough to withstand the pressure of chewing but flexible enough to do so without harming the gums underneath.

There are two types of complete dentures, different the way the treatment proceeds. With conventional dentures, you have to wait 8 to 12 weeks after you lose your teeth to get the actual dentures from your dentist. There are two reasons for this. First, the dentist needs some time to shape the dentures to fit your mouth, and secondly, you need to wait for your gum tissue to heal before your mouth is ready for the denture.

Immediate dentures, on the other hand, are created beforehand and can be worn immediately after a tooth or teeth are extracted. Although convenient, immediate dentures have the disadvantage of requiring more adjustments. The shape of a person’s jaw and mouth changes after losing teeth, and immediate dentures aren’t able to accommodate this change like conventional dentures. As a result, your dentures are needed relined with soft material that makes them easier to wear and speeds healing during the initial healing period of 6 weeks or more. This reline is not included in your initial fee.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures sort of resemble an incomplete normal denture. It consists of the prosthetics for the missing teeth attached to a pick or gum-colored base. Removable partial dentures often have small metal wires that resemble clasps that help attach the denture to the nearby teeth, holding the system in place. Typically, a partial denture blends in perfectly and is undetectable by an outside observer.

Partial dentures can be fixed, or permanent, as well. These partial dentures are created from by “bridging” the gap with a prosthetic that is attached via dental crowns placed on the adjacent teeth. The result is cemented in place and is a more permanent solution than removable partial dentures.

Whether you’re missing a few teeth, a whole set, we are always happy to talk to you about whether you need dentures. Call us so we can happily evaluate your case.